Monkey Symonds!

Call me a racist। Yet another citizen of so called "third world country" who decides to make fun of an Australian, going by his antics on and off the fields. But I stand by the title of this blog. Its debatable, whether its monkey race who is getting offended by being compared to Symonds (To be true, there are better monkeys in the sport), or vice-versa. But lets not even go in that direction.

What surprises me the most, is why don't Aussies appreciate the Indian sense of humor. Its the same Aussie crowd that pulled out an laugh riot in an episode which is popularly known as "Botham the Pig". How can Aussies forget the pig-chant tailor made for Ian Botham and Eddie Hemmings at the Gabba Test during England's 1982-83 tour? Mr. Symonds in case you are not aware of this, just look at the pic on the left hand side and the video: Botham the pig, before you launch your next protest at "Symonds the pig" (with all due respect to the pig race). A pig with Botham written on the right hand side, Eddie on other, and an Australian flag tied to his tale was made to walk right through the boundary rope into the stadium in that test. Botham never walked out of the ground, or made any suggestions that the "Pig Chant" can be contrived as being racist, let alone going into press or racing the issue with the then "Imperial Cricket Council". May be, Botham written on a pig makes up for Aussie sense of of humor and Indians mimicking Symonds the monkey doesn't. May be, an Aussie crowd making fun of English player is funny, while Indian crowd making fun of Aussie player is not. True, if seeing someone ape Symonds does not seem funny (for obvious reasons, see pic on the right hand side), its not torturous enough to merit punishing those aping him. Is it wise, to such a prank, a racial slur? May be its not wise, its just Australian. "Monkey, Australian for racism", the next Fosters ad might read! And cultural difference a certain "Steve Waugh" might say!

Secondly, I am just little confused by the fact that of all the racist words in English dictionary (trust me there are many, if you are unsure just see a video from Russel Peters in youtube!), the word that is the center of attraction is Monkey. How racial can this word be?? After all it reminds us of our ancestors. Leave that fact if monkey is considered a racial slur, then lots of past English, West Indian and other players have been target of racism.

Have you ever heard of Monkey Hornby?? See, cricinfo is not racists by any means (I hope). Whatever, be the world may be like in 1870s, I don't think even English team of that time was racist enough to call their own white Lancashire born team member a "Monkey". I think more than his white skin, his energy and enthusiasm on and off the field earned him that honor (Or Racial Slur as Mr. Symonds would make you believe). And call it irony or an obvious match he was also nicknamed "The Boss". (I am sure, you must be thinking of apparent similarities between the monkey and the boss [:-D]). Don't think that I am bringing some obscure player who played from some English county more than 140 years back into picture. "Monkey Hornby" is the one of the only two players to have captained England at both rugby and cricket. "Monkey Hornby" is not the only player to have been refer ed to as monkey in the history of international cricket। There is Kenneth Anderson Sellar (called Monkey Cellar). Incidentally, he also represented England in Rugby just like "Monkey Horby". There some players from WI also, nicknamed "Monkey". I think when the issue settles down, there might even be a cricinfo profile titled "Monkey Symonds" (with all due respect to the monkey race)!

If I go by an English proverb, Symonds is really becoming a big monkey for Indian cricketers and fans. Ever heard of "getting monkey of your back" Mr. Symonds? How do Indians get you of their back?